Copyright: - North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
Duke Power State Park

Description
- Formerly known as Duke Power State Park, Lake Norman State Park resides on the shores of Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in the state. Visitors may enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and camping.

Lake Norman was created by Duke Power Company between 1959 and 1964, when Cowans Ford Dam was constructed across the Catawba River to generate electrical energy. The creation of the lake led to further industrialization of Mecklenburg County, helping to establish Charlotte as a major trade center. In September 1962, Duck Power Company donated 1,362 acres of land on the northeastern shore of Lake Norman for a state park.

Note: There is a large variety of nonpoisonous and poisonous snakes that call this park home.

Recreation - Lake Norman is a mecca of outdoor recreation opportunities. It is known for being one of North Carolina's best fishing lakes. Game fish include crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and striped, largemouth and white bass. There is also a small lake within the park boundaries that offers a quieter spot for fishing. Crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and yellow perch can be found here.

The park offers youth camping where you may choose from two group campsites. There is also a family campground offering hot showers and restrooms.

The park provides a boat dock and boat ramp in addition to restrooms and rowboat or canoe rental available June through Labor Day.

A sandy swim beach is open June through Labor Day. A bathhouse with showers, toilets, changing rooms and vending machines serves the area.

There are two picnic areas one with a shelter which accommodates up to 125 people. Use of the shelter is free of charge unless reservations are requested. Because of popularity, reservations are advised. The second picnic area is near the parking lot serving the group camping area.

Join a park ranger for a closer look at Duke Power State Park. Programs are given throughout the year. Contact the park office for more information. Environmental Educational Learning Experience (EELE)--Testing the Waters. Grades: 4, 5, and 6. Introduces students to aquatic organisms and using watersheds properly to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and clean drinking water. Mayor concepts covered include: water quality, watersheds, aquatic sampling, preservation of natural areas,and stewardship.

No handicapped accessible buildings.

Climate - North Carolina has a temperate climate with mild winters and long fall and spring months. Summers can be hot and humid, especially in the piedmont and coastal plain region, which don't get relief from coastal breezes or higher elevations. The mountains tend to be substantially cooler and receive some winter snow.

In the Piedmont Region, winter daytime temperatures normally range from the upper 30's to the upper 40s. Summer daytime temperatures range from the high 70's to the low 90's. The state has a fairly wet climate with an average precipitation for this area averaging 44-52 inches (112-132 centimeters).

Location -
Duke Power State Park is located in Iredell County at Lake Norman, ten miles south of Statesville and 32 miles north of Charlotte. Access the park at Exit 42 off I-77. Turn left at first traffic light in Troutman (Wagner Street). Travel approximately 2 miles, turn right on State Park Road and travel 2 more miles to entrance.

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Additional Information:Charlotte Area - Located in North Carolina's southern Piedmont area, Charlotte is one of the south's fastest growing business communities. The area rests at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains offering a variety of vacation and employment opportunities.North Carolina State Parks - North Carolina's State Parks offer wonderful beach camping to mountain wilderness camping. There are hiking trails in all sorts of forest types and countless fishing opportunities. The entire state, from the mountain to the piedmont area to the coast is rich in history and well highlighted at the parks.Piedmont Region - Located in the center of the state, this historically rich area once dominated by tobacco fields has been transformed into one of the East Coast's most dynamic new industrial mega centers.